Mr. Ron Akana
(address removed)

Via Email & US Mail

Dear Ron:

On behalf of the United Master Executive Council of the Association of Flight Attendants - CWA, AFL - CIO, it is an honor to commend you on your 60th anniversary as a Flight Attendant at United Airlines.

Today we have the unique opportunity to applaud you - our number one Flight Attendant.  Having logged over 20,000,000 miles and nearly 4,000 crossings to the mainland your career continues to be a remarkable one.  Today we celebrate you as our number one Flight Attendant who has made a lifetime of career firsts a family matter. 

When you began your career in 1949, while still in your third year at the University of Hawaii, by responding to an advertisement for a job at United Airlines, you began a career of firsts.  You were selected from over 400 applicants for one of eight positions, one for each of the main Hawaiian Islands.  The distinction of being born and raised in Hawaii and as one of the original Hawaiian 8 Stewards marked the beginning of a career as unique and special as you. 

Celebrating your career would not be complete without the recognition of being the first Flight Attendant to marry another Flight Attendant and your daughter being the first Flight Attendant born from Flight Attendants.

We appreciate your recognition that our career has contributed to a "great and wonderful life".  A career that spans aviation history from a job as Steward to a certified safety professional Flight Attendant is remarkable.  You have been a mentor to all of us who've followed in your steps.  We have been lucky to receive your kind guidance, patience and wisdom.  When you began your career jet engines were nowhere in sight and job restrictions included age, gender, ethnicity and weight.  But the vision of you and your peers helped to build the profession we are proud to call our own.

Flight Attendants everywhere are the beneficiaries of your experience.  Congratulations and thank you for a lifetime of commitment and dedication to improving our profession.

In Solidarity,

Greg Davidowitch
President

Linda F. Farrow
Vice President
 
Jeffrey W. Heisey
Secretary Treasurer